ERIE, Pa. — Three players scored at least 15 points, but IUP could not overcome a first-half deficit in a 99-85 loss at Gannon on Saturday night.

The Crimson Hawks fell to 22-7 overall after trailing 43-34 at halftime. IUP scored 51 points in the second half but could not close the gap as Gannon maintained the lead down the stretch.

Kymani Merraro led IUP with 22 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including three 3-pointers, and went 7 for 8 from the free-throw line. Dallis Dillard added 21 points with four 3-pointers, while Christian Moore finished with 15 points.

IUP shot 45.2% from the field (28 for 62) and made 10 shots from beyond the arc.

Bautista Rodriguez led the Crimson Hawks on the glass with nine rebounds, and Damir Brooks added six boards and two blocks.

Gannon was led by Lucas Morgan with 19 points. Pace Prosser and Precious Idiaru each scored 18 points, while Lucas Sekasi added 16 points and five assists.

The Golden Knights went 36 for 45 from the free-throw line and held a 41-34 rebounding edge while also scoring 34 fast-break points.

The Crimson Hawks, who came into the weekend as the No. 6 team in the Atlantic Region, will await its fate as the NCAA Division II men's baseketball show will take place on Sunday, March 8 at 11:00 p.m.